Elected officials, community leaders and representatives from the Montgomery Public School System joined on July 10 to celebrate the commencement of construction of the Johnnie R. Carr Middle School in east Montgomery. The new 119,000, $22 million facility will open in August of 2009 serving 800 students.

Montgomery School Superintendent John Dilworth stated that it is fitting that the school will bear the name of one of the most influential civil rights icons who worked to unite our community.

Located on Ray Thorington Road, the new school is adjacent to the New Park neighborhood where there will be convenient walking access via neighborhood sidewalks directly to the new school facility.